Mixing Politics and Sports

Greensboro, NC -- This article in the Washington Post caught my eye last week. I never really pay attention to the voting choices of non-political figures, such as athletes and celebrities. Most of them vote for the Democratic choice because they're in Hollywood, or they come from "Democratic backgrounds."

Mike Wise scoured through the Redskins' locker room, surveying the players of their presidential choice: 29 Obama, 8 McCain, 7 Undecided.

Money quote:

"Fred Smoot summed up this year's dilemma for
many of his teammates when the veteran cornerback told the AP, 'We're coming
from Democratic backgrounds, but we got Republican money right now.'"

Further, from the NBA article, money quote
from Wizards Center Etan "The Poet" Thomas:

"Although the NBA is predominantly African
American, the Wizards' Thomas said the enthusiasm for Obama has less to do with
him being black than with his views on the economy, health care and education.
Obama 'is . . . laying out the plans. He's not talking around the issues. There
is a sense that things will be different.'"

Ok, Poet, how is it not about "being black" and voting for Obama when you're making... err fleecing $6M / year? You're in Obama's 95th percentile, which means that you'll be subjugated to
being a member of his socialist club, "Spreading the Wealth." If it's not about the money, why were you intent on leaving the Wiz several years ago? Don't tell me that the city of Milwaukee is better than DC. And health care? Poet, you're part of the one of the nation's most powerful unions. I'm not sure how you can justify that Obama's socialist health care plan is better than McCain's. I'm not buying your poetry this time.

The Drought is Over

Greensboro, NC -- "Phinally!" read the cover of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia's premiere newspaper. In one of the most unconventional, bizarre World Series endings -- a 3 1/2 inning game -- this celebratory anticipation was on the same equator as the greater Philadelphia weather blanket. I believed that the Rays would win this Series with very little trouble because of their superior starting pitching, especially against the Games 3 and 4 mismatches: Garza vs. Moyer and Sonnanstine vs. Blanton. But "Stand Pat" Gillick proved me wrong because of his fortified bullpen. One of the few trading deadlines moves that Gillick did make was trading for Joe Blanton, the hero of Game 4. Everywhere "Stand Pat" is in charge, he's been a winner. If I had a vote for the Hall of Fame, he'd be a first ballot in the executive wing.



I was running through my head this morning all of the four-sport cities to see if DC now had the longest title drought. If I stand corrected, here's what I came up with: If you lump the San Jose Sharks into Oakland's "territory," the greater Oakland area would be a 4-sport region, making them the city possessing the longest title drought (Athletics, 1989 WS Champs). Otherwise, DC ties the Minneapolis region with the longest title drought of 17 years (Redskins were SB Champs and Twins won the WS in 1991). As a tiebreaker, other than a putrid Cinderella run by the Capitals to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1998, no other DC sports team has come close to winning any title. Meanwhile, the Twins have won several division titles this decade, the Vikings make the playoffs off and on, and the Timberwolves advanced to the Conference Finals back in 2004 with KG. With Arenas out and the Nats in full rebuilding mode, it's up to the Skins and Caps to take DC to the promiseland.

The baseball season is officially over. One quick note -- the faces on the Rays players didn't show that much disappointment. Perhaps that's because they know they'll be back soon with their ultra talented nucleus of Longoria, Upton, Navarro, Crawford, Pena, Kazmir, Shields, Garza, and their secret weapon David Price.

Winter Kickball

Greensboro, NC -- One would have thought that's what the City of Greensboro kickball players had signed up for last night when rosters were composed back in August. With the temperature hovering in the low 40's and the wind chill in the 30's, the tension in the air only became thicker because of the postseason stakes and tight inning-by-inning scores.

With a three game skid in the regular season, followed by an opening postseason clunker, Ball Busters President of Kickball Operations Kasey (who had a different last name during the first half of the season) performed one of the most unselfish, yet surprising acts in the history of this league. She turned over her managerial duties to Paula Jackson ("Sarge"), who in turn, churned out a boffo lineup card night after night. The notion of this team has always been "the whole is greater than the sum of the parts," and Sarge reaffirmed just that. For one, we're a team of misfits -- strung together by the league a year ago, we didn't go to school together, we don't work together, we don't hold team tryouts or anything like that. As a lesser talented squad, using that motto, early success was reached by winning a ring in the first year, but high expectations became the carryover effect. With strategic kicking placements, a team-first attitude, and some smothering defense, the Ball Busters were able to rattle off four straight wins before succombing to Can I Kick It? on the back end of a doubleheader.

The theme of the postseason has been some shaky defense in the first two innings, followed by a comeback in the kicking department coupled with some suffocating D. That formula was put to work in game 1 last night against the Red Rockets. A 3-run homer and some cheap runs were not enough to deter the Ball Busters. While the rookie umpire was thrown into a highly tense atmosphere, blown calls affected both teams. Vociferous shouts and remarks following the game by a couple of Red Rocket players went unheard. A nifty 14-10 win in the nippy air for the Ball Busters.

There have been several misjudgments by the commissioner's office, even in its third year. In addition to placing a rookie umpire into the middle of a deep postseason game, and only having one umpire for that matter, the scheduling itself is flawed. Unless it's an early round game, I believe that the winning team shouldn't have to play more than once on a single night. There was very little... in fact, nothing other than 1 run, left in the Ball Buster's tank for their showcase showdown against Can I Kick It?. The play turned sloppy as the air became colder; a 21-1 shelling ensued. The defeat made pumpkins of us all before Halloween. But still, 8 days ago, we looked more like the team not participating in the tournament than bronze medal recipients.

In addition to the late postseason play, more player discoveries were made -- Chris continued to field bunts better than 911 calls, BGunns emerged as a solid infield player, Kristin's kicking was the most improved on the team, Jimmy "The Titan" shagged more flyballs than he did doling out low five's and "Let's go's." Brittany looked like a "lonestar" patroling left field in her first year of play. Not to mention, Gail Myrick should win the "Rolaids Relief Player of the Week" award for stepping in and pitching a gem against Hi-Gravs, who beat us in the regular season. Josh P. didn't need any prayers hauling in flyballs, and consequently, kicking flyballs and sacrifice flys this year. Clutch was nothing short of the nickname. I think the biggest improvement by any single player was BLewters. Primarily used as an outfielder in the first season, BLewters has emerged to superstar status in the infield. Losing John as the anchor at third sharpened every infielder's skills in a way. We had to make-up for his loss as a key cog to the defense.

It was a challenging year managing new people and suffering some heartbreak losses to teams that we have beaten in previous seasons. Let's strengthen our kicking and catching skills this offseason and lure some free agents. We need some kickers of the female race! Either one big bopper or a couple of girl kickers would greatly enhance our team this spring. But also keep this in mind, if you depart for the free agent riches that be of playing for another team, just remember, that particular team will be done playing in the postseason before us. The evidence is in the pudding. Seeya next year -- hopefully in above arctic temperatures!

Game 1 in the Books

Greensboro, NC -- Unlike the past couple of National League clubs to come out of the World Series gate, following a "long" layover, I thought that the Phillies would be ready to play. They have an American League style lineup that forces pitchers to grind through it. The Phils also had their ace, Cole Hamels, in full postseason lockdown mode.

The 3-2 score is a farce of how close the game really was. Philadelphia missed ample opportunities in the early innings to build a formidable lead. I am convinced that Scott Kazmir is not 100%. He has not pitched like his 2006 and 2007 form all year, and I think that dates back to his start on the DL earlier this year. But give Kazmir credit, the score could have been 8-0 after three innings if the Phillies could have produced some timely hitting.

The Series has just begun -- the Rays lost Game 1 of the ALCS at home, and then rattled off three straight victories. Also, Tampa Bay has the major advantage until Game 5 -- starting pitching. Myers vs. Shields tonight. Moyer and Blanton will square up against Garza and the underrated Sonnastine in Games 3 and 4, respectively. The starting pitching match-ups are the reason why I picked Tampa Bay to win.

Other Notes:

• Kevin Millar, just take a paycut, and become a bench player on the Red Sox already. The O's first baseman is obsessed with them -- see ESPN's World Series preview this year, and Millar's introductions of the Red Sox lineup in last year's Series.
• A spicy college football matchup tonight: Auburn at West Virginia. WVU has had a quiet season to this point. In fact, other than their Bowl victory over the Sooners last January, we haven't heard a peep from Morgantown. I'll take the Tigers tonight on the road.
• City of Greensboro Kickball Playoffs continue tonight with the quarterfinal rounds. The Ball Bustaz will be squaring up with SynerG 2 in the early game at 6:30 p.m.

Baseball Free Agency

Greensboro, NC -- With the World Series beginning tonight, many players will become eligible for free agency following the Rays' 5 game series win against the Phils. Unlike previous offseasons, this winter actually has a bevy of impact free agents. On top of all of that is the fact that Jake Peavy, 2007 NL Cy Young Winner, will probably be dealt as well. Reading an essay about Peavy two years ago, I highly doubt that he would waive his no trade clause to pitch in the Northeast. He's a southern boy from Alabama, and with the prospects that the Braves have in their stables, Peavy seems like a natural fit in Atlanta.

One free agent has already signed with their current team; Mark Ellis re-upped with the A's at 2 years-$11M. As J.C. Bradbury outlines in his excellent blog here, the A's got a steal.

Onto the big name free agents:

• Mark Teixeira -- I've read and researched a ton about this guy when he was with the Braves. This guy loves money, and by looking at his numbers driven work ethic, I think he rejects his hometown team's offer, and Boras works out a deal with his amicable Red Sox front office buddies. Youkilis moves to 3B, Lowell can shift to the DH position.
• A.J. Burnett -- It may be a cold winter in Baltimore, as I believe "Hank the Yank" blows the O's offer out of the water if Sabathia spurns them. A.J. may take Pavano's spot on the Yank's roster, both figuratively and literally.
• C.C. Sabathia -- The Dodgers are a natural fit; he's building a home in SoCal and he likes to hit. But the thrifty, big market Dodgers may resist considering Coletti's track record in free agency -- Andruw Jones, Juan Pierre, Jason Schmidt, Nomar Garciaparra. I like the Angels here.
• K-Rod -- The Mets have to, and will, sign him. When the bullpen is the culprit two years in a row for missing the playoffs, you need stopgaps everywhere.
• Ben Sheets -- I think it's a toss-up here between the Astros and Braves. I say the Braves because if they don't land Peavy or another ace, they'll go after Sheets. Draytom McLane, the fickle Astros owner, becomes very bilpolar around this time of year; could he take the cheap route and stick with his current rotation or could he become part of the bidding and bring Sheets closer to his home?
• Manny -- Any reasonable and sane front office would shy away from him. That's why I'm picking the Dodgers as the front runners. However, there is pressure on the Nats' ownership to spend some money this offseason. DC's attendance will dip substantially if a highly regarded free agent is not signed. Look for the Nats to be a wild card in the Manny sweepstakes.
• Jason Giambi -- He needs to go back to Oakland, relax, and club 35 HR's and hit .300 again. At a reduced salary, he may just do it once all of the other free agents have been signed.
• Orlando Hudson -- His upbeat personality and infield D should be something that the Mets covet. If they're smart, they'd ink the O-dog as soon as the free agency gun is fired.
• Carlos Delgado -- What seemed like a no-brainer to decline his option back in May, it's now a no-brainer for the Mets to exercise the option.
• Andy Pettitte -- Yankees or bust. There will be no second homecoming in Houston. I see a cool 1 year-$8M deal on the table.

I'm just picking possible free agents off the top of my head. I do believe that the Yankees will be major players this offseason with all of the excess cash come off the books -- $80M -- and the new stadium opening up. But, as recent history has shown, star players sometimes don't thrive in New York. It's taken a string of no World Series championships to demonstrate that New York isn't a slice of heaven. Milwaukee, Baltimore, DC, and St. Louis are other teams no mentioned here, who have cash to spend this offseason. They could all be wild cards. It looks to be an eventful winter with free agency and trades, coupled with the second World Baseball Classic.

Thoughts/suggestions/ideas on the free agency landscape?

Thoughts on this weekend

Greensboro, NC -- It was a grand weekend of sports. I wasn't on the road for once, so I was able to catch most of the college football games on Saturday, including UGA's 24-14 win over Vandy, and some NFL action on Sunday. Some quick thoughts on this weekend:

• While there were no upsets in college football this weekend, both Alabama and Penn State (yes, they won by 3 TD's) looked shaky in their victories. Penn State was trailing Michigan by 3 deep into the 3rd quarter. It's amazing how some programs -- USC, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma -- are able to be successful year-in and year-out considering the constant turnover in player personnel. I'm a big believer in continuity, both in coaching staffs and in rosters, but maybe the roster part of the equation is only applicable to the NFL. When the Redskins stopped with the major free agent shopping sprees, they finally started winning consistently.


• Having a broken pinkie finger on my throwing hand earlier this year, I can confidently report to you that there's no chance that you're able to successfully complete balls with the same zip and accuracy as before. Not sure what Tony Romo is thinking for this Sunday, but I wouldn't mind seeing a couple of one-hoppers in the direction to T.O. Think about it this way, when you grip a handle, which finger has the tightest grip on it? Your pinkie, so I can't see throwing a football, let alone a baseball, being a wise move for Romo. We all love a little controversy in sports, but this year has been especially fun for me seeing both the Cowboys in football, and the Yankees in baseball (my two least favorite teams in all of sports) sink because of a hole the size of T.O.'s head.


• I like the Redskins this weekend against the Detroit. They always play them well, regardless of both of their records. However, how well they play will determine if I pick them for the Steelers' game on the following Monday night.


• I've been hearing the reports for two years now from B's Bistro's SEC baseball scout, "KLA" on how David Price is an ace in the making. The best pitching performance this postseason came from Price on Sunday night when he entered the game in the bottom of the 8th for the Rays with 2 on, 2 out. First pitch: slider 94 MPH. Second pitch: fastball 99 MPH. Third pitch: "wicked" slider 95 MPH. Strike three to J.D. Drew. After getting into a little bit of trouble in the 9th, Price picked up the save and ramroded the Rays to the World Series.


• The Rays have it all... starting pitching, defense, power, speed, and finally a bullpen. If I'm Ryan Howard or Chase Utley, I'm studying the tape against Price. While my good baseball buddy picked the Rays to sweep, I'm going to say "Rays in 5," with the one win for the Phillies coming when Cole Hamels pitches. The Rays are filthy. Plus, any manager who hugs Peter Gammons after an interview, I'm pulling for.

This photo may be a familiar site by next week, except expect that pigpile to occur in Philadelphia.

• 

Phantastic

Greensboro, NC -- As I watched the Phillies celebrate winning the National League pennant on Wednesday night, the notion popped into my head that yet another team has made it to the Big Show, while the Orioles (often picked on here in this web space) go home with another losing record this year. I've been to three Phillies' games in Philaldelphia in my lifetime, and the last trip was completely different than my first two visits.

My first two visits in 1999 and 2003 were to Veterans Stadium, which played host to some low budget, awful teams. At the time, and since their previous trip to the World Series, the Phillies win total beginning in 1994 was 54, 69, 67, 68, 75, 77, 65 (1994-2000). What made me question Boston's "desperate" hire of Terry Francona in 2004 was that Francona managed a bulk of the Phillies' teams in the late 90's. Their modest payrolls in the $40M range didn't help either. My question was always related to payroll and city population size -- why couldn't this New York-wannabe city be the upper tier of player payroll? Were the owners just cheap?

Since the move to the sparkling Citizens Bank Ballpark in 2004, the Phillies wins' have been 86, 88, 85, 89, 92. But their secret cheese whiz hasn't been the ballpark; it's been the hiring of Pat Gillick. Gillick's trademark teams don't feature players who absorb a significant portion of payroll (goodbye Jim Thome). They also feature strong bullpens and a solid bench. Gillick's Blue Jays teams won two World Series and his Orioles teams could have won two if it weren't for Jeffrey Maier and an Armando Benitez gopher ball to the Indians' Tony Fernandez. Coupled with Gillick, the Phillies payroll rose in 2003 from $70M to $93M with the move to the new park. Since that time, their payroll has eclipsed the $88M mark in all four seasons, which is more in line with a midmarket to big market team. The owners have not changed since 1981.

One of Angelos's biggest blunders, and there's been plenty, was to let Gillick go following the 1998 season. The Orioles haven't had a winning season since. Whoever is able to capitalize on Gillick's knowledge and expertise next year -- possibly the Mariners -- is wise. Until then, there's a World Series to decide. Like last year's Rockies, I don't like the long layoff, so I'm going to take the Rays, assuming that they can win one more game at the Trop tomorrow or Sunday.

A Question for you NFL Experts

Greensboro, NC -- In the wake of the New England Patriots fall from grace this season, one legitimate question needs to be asked, "Why is the losing team of the previous Super Bowl awful every year?" This observation has been brought to NFL fans before, but I haven't heard any talk about it yet, maybe since the Patriots are still above 0.500 for the year. Take a look at the following teams' record following their loss in the previous season's Super Bowl:

• New England Patriots, 2008, 3-2
• Chicago Bears, 2007, 7-9
• Seattle Seahawks, 2006, 9-7
• Philadelphia Eagles, 2005, 6-10
• Carolina Panthers, 2004, 7-9
• Oakland Raiders, 2003, 4-12
• St. Louis Rams, 2002, 7-9
• New York Giants, 2001, 7-9

With the exception of the Seahawks in 2002 -- playing in the very weak NFC West -- what else is new with that division -- all of the Super Bowl losers have finished with a losing record. What are the causes of the "Super Bowl hangover?"

Does the losing team believe that they're very close to winning a championship and don't feel the neel to retool?

Is the losing team a victim of bad luck, such as injuries to key players like Tom Brady this season, and Donovan McNabb in 2005?

Is the quarterback the problem? Grossman for the Bears last year was awful. Gannon's arm nearly fell off from all of those side arm slings for the Raiders in 2003. It was the beginning of the demise for Kurt Warner in St. Louis (since his resurgence this year). Ditto Kerry Collins for the G-Men.

Were fans' expectations too high the next year? The mentality of "they were o-so-close this year, we'll win it next year!" doesn't work. Seattle, home of the 12th man; Philly, and their obnoxious fans; ditto the Giants.

My question is, why aren't teams who won the Super Bowl faltering at this pace? If David Tyree doesn't haul in that unbelievable catch during last year's Super Bowl, and the Patriots hang on for the win, we wouldn't be having this blog discussion.